This final thesis focuses exclusively on the portraits of Vlaho Bukovac. The main idea of my work, as suggested by the title itself, is to analyze and explore the influences on Bukovac's portraits. The introductory part primarily discusses the contextual framework of the time in which the painter operated. The 19th century was a period conducive to innovative changes, and it problematizes the relationship between the emerging bourgeois society and the proletariat. The central part of the work analyzes the works of the pioneers of styles that encompassed the second half of the 19th century. The prevailing styles were realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, symbolism, and secession. We can trace the life path that shaped the painter from an early age and the characteristics of the leading styles in his portraits. We know Bukovac as a great traditionalist who was trained by his teacher Cabanel at the Beaux des Ecole Academy. However, he distanced himself from the classical palette of muted colors typically found in studio paintings. He illuminates his color palette, which can be seen in his portraits. He experiments with applying paint to the canvas, using quicker brushstrokes, and adopts techniques of the post-impressionists. It is important to emphasize that academic realism still exists in his works, as it is present in precisely executed drawings. He brings modernism to Croatia as a member of the Society of Croatian Artists and exhibits at the key Croatian Salon. He is a leading figure who has contributed innovations and a desire to move away from classical traditionalism in Croatian painting.